The Cote d’Azur, along the Southern Mediterranean Coast of France, offers diverse restaurants and markets, where gastronomy takes center stage. If you’re visiting this part of France, there are a number of culinary specialties you just can’t miss. Check them out at these great places for foodies in Cannes, Nice and Antibes along the Cote d’Azur.
Restaurant Acchiardo in Nice
When in Nice, definitely dine at Restaurant Acchiardo (38 Rue Droite), where four generations of the Acchiardo family have been serving up truly authentic Cuisine Nicoise since 1927. Their food is based on simple ingredients done well, a concept that is on display with their fantastic and classic Salad Nicoise, which has a particular set of traditional ingredients in Nice. At Restaurant Acchiardo in Nice, you won’t find potatoes or green beans in the Salad Nicoise. I tried a variety of tasty home cooked dishes here, including a divine gnocchi, with Jean Francois Acchiardo.
The Acchiardo brothers and their dad, who all work together at the restaurant. The Nicoise food is based on very simple ingredients, including lots of vegetables. Menu items are flavored with herbs of Provence, like thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, as well a lot of garlic, basil and olive oil.
Forville Market in Cannes
Known for the popular Cannes Film Festival, Cannes is also home to lively markets, including the celebrated Forville Market, which has been in operation since the 1930s. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, seafood, eggs and more abound, but if you’re new to Cannes, you must try the Socca. Simply made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil and salt, this savory pancake-like snack been popular as a sort of fast food, since the early 20thcentury, though legend has it that socca dates to much earlier than that.
The Forville Market is a covered market located in Le Suquet district and surrounded by bistros and restaurants, so you can have a glass of wine or Champagne during your market adventures. Of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to France without some cheese. Cheese abounds at the market and we found a gem of a cheese shop, Le Fromager Gourmet, just steps away that stocks all kinds of delicious cheeses, from creamy camembert to woody mushroom goat cheese with a twist.
Chez Mamo in Antibes
Antibes is a charming stop along the Cote d’Azur. This seaside resort town is located between Cannes and Nice and is home to pretty villas, its own covered Provençal market, Picasso Museum and luxurious yachts at Port Vauban. Its wonderful food offerings include the famous Chez Mamo, or properly known as Le Michelangelo (Rue des Cordiers), where homemade truffle pastas mix with fresh cheeses and seafood amid a plethora of celebrity photos. You can dine with the likes of Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Steven Spielberg, Rhianna, Sting, and on and on. Owner “Mamo” usually stops by the tables to give a charming hello.
Watch the “French Riviera” episode on PBS stations, Create TV and Ovation TV. Travel to France in Darley’s footsteps with the “Cote d’Azur” Vacation Itinerary, which can be customized for your group. Contact our Preferred Provider of Travel Services, Cathy, to arrange your trip!
